News about the European Union drove major market movement during this past week. Precious metals prices and U.S. stocks were both down Thursday morning after the announcement from the European Central Bank (ECB) that it would be cutting its key lending rate from 1.25% to 1%, while also introducing further measures in an effort to ease lending for banks. Investors appeared to be hoping for news that the ECB would aggressively begin to buy bonds. However, ECB President Mario Draghi announced the opposite. European Union leaders meeting in Brussels came to an agreement on new fiscal rules for stricter budget discipline in the eurozone. However, EU leaders were unable to come to an agreement on how to shore up the EU’s future permanent rescue fund, and the looming question about whether any new agreement would require major changes to the EU treaty wasn’t even brought up. French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated, “Never has the risk of Europe exploding been so big.” The German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered, “The euro has lost credibility, and this must be won back. We will make clear that we will accept more binding rules.” Not everyone was convinced. Scotia Capital economist Alan Clarke said, “One step forward, two steps back. The eurozone leaders might as well not bother. Pack their bags, go home, enjoy the weekend, and do their Christmas shopping.” In the U.S., weekly jobless claims fell by 23,000 to 381,000, a better number than the expected drop of 9,000.

Honor the rich heritage of Mexico and its people with the 2011 Kilo Silver Aztec Calendar coin, now $100 off the regular price. With a full 32.15 oz. of .999-fine Silver, these incredibly detailed coins were minted in limited quantities. APMEX ships them with a magnifying glass, mint-issued box and certificate of authenticity. Order yours today, while supplies last.

Harder to Find than Many Kilo Coins

The Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) was unearthed in Mexico in 1790. The original Sun Stone measures 12 feet in diameter and weighs 24 tons. The Banco de Mexico minted only 1,500 of the 2011 Kilo Silver Aztec Calendar coins.

Given the coin’s large size, Banco de Mexico was able to recreate this historic artifact in stunning detail. The 2011 Kilo Silver Aztec Calendar coin:

Comes with a mint-issued box and certificate of authenticity with a unique serial number

Includes a magnifying glass so you can fully appreciate the coin’s beauty

Packaged in a beautiful, laser-etched wooden display box

The front of the coin features the Mexican national shield (an eagle on a cactus with a snake in its beak) surrounded by previous Mexican national shields used throughout history.